The Oakdale Girls Volleyball team’s home-opener game brought a sweeping 3-0 victory against the Frederick Cadets on Thursday, September 6. After their first game loss to Tuscarora, this brings the team’s record to 1-1 in the early season.

In the 2017 season, the Bears took home the state title. That team overcame their own obstacles of that season, but the team of the 2018 season faces new obstacles. Junior setter Sydney Katz notes “We are honestly forgetting about last year’s titles because a different Oakdale team won that.”

There are lots of new players to the team this year, including freshmen Maggie Cole and Gabbi Barth, and sophomore Rosi Carlson. One of the largest obstacles to overcome is working over the rough edges that have yet to be refined in the new season. “It is always tough in the beginning to build chemistry and strong relationships on and off the court,” Katz comments, “but everyone is growing really close and we have such a great, hard working mentality.”

Senior libero Caroline Paroby, a player on the varsity team since freshman year, stated, “We haven’t had trouble working together. Everyone is really outgoing.”

The game had a rough beginning, with Frederick leading 6 by points in the first set on serve. Coach Dorsch called a timeout that grounded the team, and afterwards the girls picked up the next serve,  thus beginning the relentless momentum of the Bears, leading them to victory.

In the final set, points away from taking the team to victory, the coach hushed the crowd for an important announcement. Katz completed 1000 assists in her volleyball career. She did not know that she was that close to 1000, and stated that she started to cry on the court as her teammates crowded around her in excitement.

She thanked her coaches, “[They] supported me on my bad days and supported me on my good days,” and her parents, “They are at every game, practice scrimmage, and tournament cheering me on and waiting on the sidelines to give me a hug and advice.”

Paroby commented, “She [Katz] always works so hard. [She] always calls the ball to the hitters and puts the ball where they want it.”

Katz is now on track to break the school record of 1400 assists. She has also played on the varsity tennis team since her freshman year. “I have been playing tennis ever since I was seven, and I think it helped me improve my volleyball skills since the sports are alike,” Katz explained.

The Bear’s next home game is Thursday, September 13th. Mark the day and show up to support the team and defend the den. Let’s go Bears!